Let’s see action on levelling up of services

THE prime minister declines to hold an inquiry into Covid-19 now rather than when the pandemic is over. Then the mishandling by the UK Government in England will be demonstrated to be one of procrastination, out of touch, incompetence, and much more, contrary to the wellbeing of the citizens of this nation who in December 2019 gave the PM and his colleagues a vote of confidence which in a few months has been forfeited.

Adverse comparisons are already being made: with other comparable countries, with our devolved governments, with the chancellor of the exchequer’s assured performance providing financial support during lockdown, and finally the serious questioning by Keir Starmer, in PMQs facing a prime minister responding in a bumbling manner with incomplete , and inaccurate statements. In short the questions are not answered.

The country has recognised how grateful it is to hospital staff, care workers and employees of essential services, especially during this very demanding time. The prime minister’s off-the-cuff comment that some care homes had not followed procedures revealed how out of touch he was with the demands made when the government had ignored their requests for PPE required to safeguard staff and patients.

After congratulating hospital staff we now learn that the government is going to reintroduce car parking charges for hospital staff only suspended a few months ago. Gratitude!

Of course it is so different in Scotland where car parking is free for staff and visitors as well, beside many other free services. This unfair situation requires investigation. The prime minister talks about levelling up services and this requires decisive political action. Change is the current buzzword during the pandemic which, following this unwelcome trial, requires radical transformation in government, and in our lives.

Tom Jackson, Stockport